Colette Cohen stands down as first CEO of Net Zero Technology Centre

Net Zero Investor was told that the UK Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) is saying goodbye to its first-ever chief executive. 

After nearly seven years at the helm of the NZTC, Colette Cohen OBE is standing down as its CEO.

Cohen launched NZTC in 2017, created as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal, with £180 million of UK and Scottish government funding.

To date, the centre said it has co-invested more than £253 million with industry in technologies from effective well plugging and abandonment, asset integrity to autonomous robotics and renewable power systems. It has screened about 1,810+ new technologies, progressed 175 field trials, and helped over 33 technologies to commercialise.

"I have relished every minute of my nearly seven years at NZTC and am tremendously proud of the impact the Centre has made, and continues to make, on the technology landscape in the North East of Scotland and throughout the UK," Cohen told this publication.

“I have built a team focused on delivery and we’ve turned our technology vision into reality, propelling technologies from development to commercialisation and making a demonstrable impact in the offshore energy sector," she added.

However, "it’s time for me to step back, enjoy some downtime with my family and focus on my work with other Boards, accelerating the energy transition and building the next generation of female leaders," Cohen continued.

"The centre also exceeded in its mission to build and nurture a thriving start-up eco system," she pointed out.

New chief executive

Myrtle Dawes, currently in charge of technology development, has been confirmed as the Centre’s new CEO.

Cohen stressed that “the energy transition and technology are two constantly moving targets and there is still so much untapped opportunity, this requires a strong proven leader and I am delighted to be handing the reins to Myrtle who will take the Centre to its next level of success."